Strategies for Addition and SubtractionUnderstanding Whole Number RelationshipsComposing and decomposing geometric shapesEstimationSolving problems using measurement and dataPicture and bar graphsValue of coinsTime to the half-hourCalendarSpatial senseFraction concepts

Personal PrayerTraditional PrayersStudy of the MassGod, Our Father and CreatorJesus, The Son of GodLiturgical CelebrationsCelebrate Weekly MassGoals of the Sacred HeartApostolic Work: M.A.T. Social Ministry Center

Microsoft Word skills: Printing, saving cutting, copying, pasting, clipartDrawing with PaintCreate a group-narrated story in Power PointRight and left keyboard orientationKidspiration

Highlights

Nigerian DayThe first grade celebrates their unit on Africa by having an African celebration called Nigerian Day. On this day the children experience what it would be like to live in Africa. They play African games, make crafts, and even make African food that they get to eat for lunch. It is a fun day that the children will remember forever!

HabitatsThe first graders study four habitats; deserts, wetlands, forests, and oceans. After many projects they put their knowledge into action by making their own habitat out of a shoe box. They get to use their creativity and let their imaginations run wild.

Differentiated InstructionIn first grade the children are at different academic levels. Since it is so important to reach all learners, the curriculum is adapted to reach all individuals. In reading we have the great advantage of having a reading specialist, Mrs. Coulter, who works with our children every day. In spelling we have two different levels of spelling words along with a list of basic words that the children work through at their own individual pace. In math the children work at their own speed on their addition and subtraction facts. We strive very hard to make sure that all the children are working to their potential; including the use of advanced material when the child is ready.

Social StudiesWe study many great Americans that have influenced our culture. After learning about these wonderful individuals we culminate the unit by having each child choose a great American. Once chosen, the child puts together a short project to present to the class. They might do a diorama, make a poster, or even dress up like their American. Then the class goes to the computer lab to put all their information that they collected into their own individual Power Point. The children are always so proud of all their hard work!

Math CelebrationsIn order for our children to experience math in their every day life, we take time to celebrate math throughout the year. Some examples of this are fruit fractions and Day 100. After studying fractions we surprise the first graders with a fruit fractions party where they divide different fruits into fractions and then munch on their fractions. From day one of school we keep track of the number of days we are in class. On Day 100, children bring in 100 units of something, and we spend the day completing activities related to 100. This gives our students a solid concept of the number 100.

"There's a certain spirit that each of the graduates have; there's a certain personality that goes with them."